HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: Women should have a mammogram. When you go for the exam, here are some hints from the American Cancer Society:

Have the dates of your previous mammograms and locations where they were done (if going to a different facility).

Don’t wear deodorant, perfume or dusting powder. Some ingredients can interfere with the mammogram and show up as white spots.

You will be asked to undress from the waist up, so dress accordingly.

Tell the facility of any symptoms you may be having and if you have breast implants.

Try to schedule your mammograms around the same time every year so you don’t forget. How about your birthday (a gift to yourself for good health), the beginning of spring or something as simple as “May can be mammogram month”?

P.S.: To women who should have a mammogram and haven’t: Please go! Five minutes (or less) is all it takes!

DEAR HELOISE: Here is another hint about carabiners. We were worried about our new dog getting away when getting her in and out of the car. We asked ourselves, “What would Heloise do?” The answer is a carabiner attached to the leash and the headrest post. Having a good grip of the leash before we release the carabiner gives us peace of mind.

Cathy R., Omaha, Neb.

DEAR HELOISE: My family and I go on many road trips, and with a family of four, the laundry piles up. If we are staying at a hotel/motel that has laundry facilities, I have started doing a few loads while there. It saves me a lot of time when we get home.

Felicia in Utah

DEAR HELOISE: What’s the cheapest and best product to use for computer and TV-screen cleaning that won’t harm the surface?

A Reader, via e-mail

DEAR READER: The easiest and best way is a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Gently dust your computer and TV screen. Delicate screens, like LCD and plasma, can be damaged by getting them wet; never spray or use window or household cleaners on a screen. If you have stubborn spots or fingerprints, use a wipe specially designed to clean electronic screens. You don’t want to risk ruining your expensive computer or television.